Sir Alex Ferguson has enthused of having seen Cristiano Ronaldo’s development into what he now believes is ‘the complete player’.

Ferguson worked with the Portuguese winger at Old Trafford for six seasons, before his world record transfer to Real Madrid.

“Maturity brings many things. When I went to see them play against Manchester City, some of his decision-making in terms of passing was brilliant. One-touch passing, good crosses,” enthused the veteran to Inside United this week.

“In the six years we had him, you just saw his game grow all the time, and he was a fantastic player.

“Now you see the complete player. His decision-making, his maturity, his experience, plus all the great skills he has got, they all make him the complete player.”

Ferguson will come up against Ronaldo for the first time since his €80m departure, with Real Madrid drawn against Manchester United in the Last 16 of the Champions League.

“Obviously you hope that when you draw Real Madrid it's in the final.”

“It will be a big, big event - we're the two most high-profile clubs in the world and I think they will be great games.”